It’s true that we should get plenty of sleep at night—at least eight hours, say most doctors—but napping during the day can also benefit your brain. Taking forty winks improves memory according to several studies. When you form a memory, it’s first stored in the hippo campus, but while it’s there you can easily lose it. Nap- ping apparently pushes memories to the neocortex, where they become more permanent.
Studies have also found that people who nap regularly have an easier time learning. Research suggests that the right hemisphere of the brain is more active during sleep, while the left side relaxes and takes some time off. After you wake up, the left side will be refreshed and ready to learn new stuff. So don’t be afraid to put your feet up, close your eyes, and doze off for a while.